AM1200

AM1200 is a 2008 American horror drama film directed by Chris Sivertson. The story revolves around Ben Wagner, a man struggling to cope with his personal demons. Haunted by his own dark past, Ben is forced to flee New Mexico after being involved in a tragic incident. This event sets him on a perilous journey across the country, seeking refuge in the quiet town of Lusk, Wyoming. As a former radio engineer, Ben's skills are soon exploited by the local FM radio station, which operates under the frequency of 1200 AM. This once-respected station has fallen under the control of an otherworldly force, having made a pact with something evil. The entity, a presence that feeds on the dark aspects of humanity, has been using the station to influence and manipulate the citizens of Lusk, drawing them into its sinister world. Before Ben arrives in town, we see glimpses of a local radio personality gone mad. It turns out, the previous engineer, who was initially seduced by the dark power of the station, eventually became unhinged. His possession led to the downfall of the station, and in the process, he was consumed by the evil presence. The fate of his predecessor should serve as a stark warning to Ben, as he starts to uncover the truth behind the AM station. As time passes, Ben becomes acquainted with various characters in Lusk, each with their own set of problems and dark pasts. Among them is a woman from his past, whom Ben had an ill-fated love affair with. Their complicated history and feelings for each other serve as a distraction from the impending doom that threatens to engulf the entire town. As the events escalate, Ben starts to experience strange visions and hallucinations, hinting at the presence of the supernatural force. He soon discovers the malevolent energy emanating from the AM1200 station. Despite his initial denial, he comes to accept that the station is indeed the epicenter of the evil, and that its dark influence has consumed many of Lusk's residents, including some of Ben's acquaintances. The entity, often referred to as "Ezechiel," takes on multiple forms, influencing different parts of Ben's psyche. Its power is such that it warps reality, distorting perceptions, and feeding on the fear and darkness within people. As the situation spirals out of control, Ben must make a decision that will determine the fate not only of himself but of the entire town. In the movie's climactic scenes, Ben is forced to confront Ezechiel and break the hold it has on the station and the town's residents. In a desperate bid to set things right, he must face his own demons, literally and figuratively, to defeat the supernatural force. Ultimately, the decision Ben faces is a reference to a famous line from John Milton's "Paradise Lost," where the fallen angel Lucifer proclaims, "Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven." With this in mind, Ben must decide whether to allow the station to continue spreading its evil influence, or risk everything to take a stand against it. This is not a straightforward tale of good vs. evil, but rather an exploration of human nature and the darkness within. It invites viewers to ponder their own capacity for both good and evil, as embodied by characters in the movie.